Growing Boy

Joe Cool got his letter jacket today. He looked so "cool" sauntering into the house, waiting for us to ooo-ahhh over him. Now, just by looking at his coat, I know what year he graduates, his last name, what instrument he plays and for sure, that his school colors are purple & white. So awesome.

In the last few weeks, really- more like every day- I see him growing up. Making decisions. Not always good ones, like having no good reason for not turning in math work on time. But still, generally speaking, more mature decisions.
Out of the same mouth that can rattled on about sports highlights, and whine about not getting his way, comes things like: "Dad, when I get my license, I think I should drive Old Flaky to school and you should drive the Ranger, because the Ranger gets better gas mileage, and you have farther to go to work. Then, when I leave for college, I will drive it, cuz I will be driving farther."

It really is fun to watch the lights switch on in that brain of his. He is even trying to outgrow the drama of girls. Gossipy girls. Dramatic, over-the-top girls. Lead-him-around-by-the-ring-in-his-nose girls. Now he has settled on a girl that is sweet, funny, hard working, gentle, and-this is very important- can't text, so they talk on the phone-a lot! Sigh. It's (sniffle) beautiful. Not saying he won't be a dork sometimes, but we are so glad to see him try to pull that ring out of his nose (not literally-his dad would kill him) and start leading himself around with his brain!

Joe's report card last time was even good. Well, good for him. No failing grades. Mostly A's. He wouldn't have had C's in 2 classes if he had turned his work in on time- the direct result of refusing to write things down, and trying to rely on a 15 yr-old boy brain to remember all he has to do. (yeah, that's funny).

It's really wild to know that scientifically, boys don't mature to their best until around 24- that sense of reason, logic and consequences is still trying to fully form. So if it seems he is doing this good, that he is this good NOW- what in the world will he be like THEN? Blows my mind.

Of course, we haven't ventured into the dating scene yet. It's coming quickly, the license will be obtained this summer. He smells good when he leaves for school, takes extra time brushing his braces (wonder why?) and fusses with his hair and face more. He has even been occasionally cleaning his room-voluntarily. No joke. Shocked me, too. Me thinks that red-headed girl is a good influence. :)

I really have no point to this, other than to marvel at what God made when he made teenagers. I wonder- when people lived 800+ years, how long did the adolescent phase last? I can't imagine funky gym socks and attitude for 50 years! Yikes!

If you have ever seen Snoopy as Joe Cool, you know how my Joe rolls- sometimes Cool, sometimes he loses it, always waiting for more food with empty bowl in hand... and yet, he dances that dance, that famous Snoopy dance- chin back, big grin on- groovin' to his own beat and learning to navigate around his world in his happy, carefree way.